Barcelona set for fresh line-up changes against Valencia as Rodri eyes first La Liga start

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is expected to make several changes for Sunday’s La Liga meeting with Valencia at Mestalla, with Rodri in line to make his first start in the competition since joining the club from Manchester City during the summer transfer window.

Flick must also consider Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Dutch side Feyenoord on Wednesday, with rotation likely to play a part in his team selection.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Rodri is widely expected to feature from the start. His inclusion appears almost certain, with the midfielder likely to operate alongside Pedri in the centre of the pitch.

Fermin Lopez is also expected to return to the starting line-up, replacing Dani Olmo. The changes would give Flick the opportunity to refresh his midfield while managing the squad ahead of the European fixture.

The biggest doubt surrounds Lamine Yamal, who missed Saturday’s group training session after taking a knock. Flick will assess the winger’s condition before making a final decision on whether he is fit to play.

Should Barcelona decide to rest Yamal, Germany winger Karim Adeyemi is expected to come into the team in his place.

Raphinha is set to retain his place in the forward line and will officially wear the captain’s armband for the first time after the result of a team vote was confirmed on Friday.

Anthony Gordon is expected to start on the left wing after making a particularly strong beginning to the season. His form has strengthened his claim to another starting opportunity as Barcelona prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.

Flick is also expected to alter his defensive line. Gerard Martin could be used at left centre-back, while Eric Garcia is set to return to the starting XI on the right side of the defence.

Eric Garcia will miss Barcelona’s opening Champions League match through suspension, making Sunday’s game an important chance for him to gain additional minutes before the club’s European campaign begins.

There could be further continuity in one area of the side, with Xavi Espart potentially making his fourth consecutive start. Only goalkeeper Joan Garcia would share that run of successive appearances.

Barcelona’s visit to Mestalla therefore carries significance beyond the immediate league fixture. Flick must balance the need to maintain momentum in La Liga with the arrival of Feyenoord in midweek, while also monitoring the fitness of Yamal and managing players who are being considered for more prominent roles.

Rodri’s expected inclusion is the headline change, but the possible returns of Fermin Lopez and Eric Garcia, plus Raphinha’s first official appearance as captain, would give the team a noticeably different look against Valencia.